StarLadder i-League Invitational: Alliance surprise VG.J by winning the series 2-0

Alliance produced a brilliant performance when the team needed it most as they claimed a 2-0 series win over VG.J on the first day of the StarLadder i-League Invitational #2.

VG.J, the StarLadder i-League StarSeries Season 3 finalist and a direct invitee to the Kiev Major surprisingly lost to Alliance in the StarLadder i-League Invitational earlier today. Alliance looked like a totally new team, leaving no traces of its previously sub par performances. Let us take a look at both games.

Alliance was invited to the tournament after Mousesports dropped out due to scheduling issues.

Game 1

Draft

VG.J

Alliance

Alliance started off strongly as they claimed first blood on fy’s Crystal Maiden, thanks to a 5 man smoke gank. Everything was going well for them till the 15th minute when they lost a decisive fight. This ultimately resulted in VG.J taking a considerable gold lead.

Loda preferred to finish a BKB on his Sven before getting a Blink Dagger. This decision came back to haunt him as he couldn’t get into the heart of the team fights and stun the enemy heroes. In a matter of minutes, everything went downhill for Alliance as VG.J obtained a 10k gold lead and were cruising towards victory. Limmp and Loda proved to be the key players as they played really well, be it in pick offs or team fights.

Two bad team fights in the 38th minute and the 48th minute proved to be the nail in the coffin for VG.J as they fell to a resilient Alliance who never gave up. VG.J finally called GG and Alliance took game 1.

Highlights

Dotabuff

Game 2

Draft

Alliance

VG.J

Game 2 was completely the Alliance show as they capitalized on each and every mistake VG.J made. Despite VG.J claiming the first blood and having a slight lead in the first 10 minutes, Alliance fought bravely and took the lead in the 12th minute.

Loda and Limmp had a great time as they were able to finish their core items along with a BKB by 25 minutes. By 32 minutes, Limmp finished his Eye of Skadi, which made VG.J’s job almost impossible.

Lack of farm for Abaddon and the Lifestealer ultimately led to VG.J calling GG. Alliance claimed a much needed victory as they weren’t in good form for the past few months. They play against TNC Pro Team to decide the first seed for the playoffs.

Highlights

Dotabuff

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